Tony Thompson lined up for next test of David Price

David Price will face former world title challenger Tony Thompson in his next heavyweight bout.

Price has had a fine 2012, stopping all four opponents, which included brutal knockouts of seasoned duo Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton in his last two bouts.

Despite being linked with domestic rival Tyson Fury, Price will next face another veteran in Thompson, 42, who has twice challenged Wladimir Klitschko for a portion of the world title, at Liverpool's Echo Arena on February 23.

"This is the right fight at the right time for David and one where a win will propel him even higher," said Price's promoter Frank Maloney on his official website.

"Thompson still has ambition and I am certain that he will come to win and score a major upset."

The Thompson fight will mark a step up in class for the British and Commonwealth title holder, who has amassed a perfect 15-0 record, 13 of those wins coming inside the distance.

His American opponent suffered two knockouts against Klitschko, most recently in July this year, and has a record of 36 wins from 39 fights.